What is EMPOWER?

In addition to the financial support you receive from the Trust, access to the EMPOWER program is a valuable benefit to Platt Scholars.

The EMPOWER program recognizes the unique ability of J. Wood Platt to make additional, meaningful contributions to our scholars’ lives, beyond financial assistance.  The program is here to support you in your career development and community engagement in a variety of ways, including:

  • Fine-tuning your résumé

  • Leadership training

  • Mentorship opportunities

  • Internship placement

  • Service projects

Additionally, you will have access to the broad and diverse network of Platt alumni and donors, an invaluable resource that can be leveraged during your academic and professional journeys.

Click Here to View the 2022 EMPOWER Scholar Leadership Summit Highlight Reel

The main components of the EMPOWER Program are as follows:

Character and Leadership

 Annual Scholar Leadership Summit and Service Project(s) emphasize
the importance of giving back while representing the J. Wood Platt community with pride. We
also provide opportunities for Scholars to serve in leadership roles as planning committee
members or ambassadors throughout the year.

Career Aptitude 

While some Scholars enter college knowing their intended major, many do
not. That’s okay; we have tools to help guide your choices and identify your own individual
strengths.

Professional Networking 

We offer a clear path to connect with professionals in fields of
interest, as well as advance notice of internships and full-time post-graduate positions.

Peer Connections

Recognizing that there is tremendous value in connecting Scholars and
alumni, we continue to host on-campus and regional receptions to strengthen bonds within the
Platt community.

In addition, Scholars who participate in the EMPOWER Program and reach certain benchmarks are eligible to receive an additional educational expense reimbursement stipend.

J. Wood Platt is honored to partner with local corporations on the initial EMPOWER initiatives and looks forward to building relationships with businesses of all sizes within the GAP network. To learn more, read our recent feature article or contact Lindsay Myers, JWP Director of Scholar and Alumni Engagement.

Feature Article

Annual Leadership Conference

This half-day event will convene JWP scholars and provide access to networking and leadership training with a focus on those issues specific to emerging college students.

Mentoring Program

(Spring 2021)

Using the wide network of JWP alumni and supporters, Scholars are connected with mentors, allowing them to leverage professional connections in their field of interest

YouScience™

EMPOWER partners with this unique career guidance platform to combine objective measures of a Scholar’s aptitudes with interests to match talent with best-fit, in-demand careers

Corporate Partnerships

New alliances with forward-thinking Fortune 500 companies position our Scholars to formally apply for internship and employment opportunities

Community Partnerships

By collaborating with organizations focusing on underserved youth populations, new initiatives directly support diversity and inclusion efforts

 Leadership Development Webinar Series

Scholars are engaged in topics including conversational skills, dressing for success, networking through golf, and other career-building elements that are sometimes overlooked in the classroom